Journalist Pelumi Onifade died from gunshot wound, postmortem confirms

A postmortem examination conducted by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has confirmed that journalist Pelumi Onifade died from a penetrating firearm injury to the abdomen. The injury caused massive internal bleeding, according to the report finalized in July 2026.

Onifade, a reporter for Gboah TV, disappeared on October 24, 2020, while covering the #EndSARS protests in Lagos, which were demonstrations against police brutality. The examination revealed that a projectile entered through the lower back and traveled toward the front, moving from right to left and upward. The pathologist noted bone fragments embedded in soft tissue and a fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra, findings consistent with a gunshot wound and subsequent ricochet.

The findings were disclosed by the Media Rights Agenda as part of an ongoing Lagos State coroner's inquest. This follows a July 2024 federal court order directing the Lagos State Government to investigate the circumstances of Onifade's death, determine the cause, and prosecute those responsible.